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Augusta, Georgia, and the surrounding area are part of the state's Piedmont region, which is peppered with rivers, lakes and reservoirs ideal for fishing, boating and swimming. This small city is located on Interstate 20, which is about 140 miles from both the Atlantic Ocean and Atlanta, the state's capital and most populated city. The Savannah River runs through Augusta and the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park offers recreational activities, including boating and fishing within the city limits.

J. Strom Thurmond Lake Area

J. Strom Thurmond Lake, also known as Clarks Hill Lake, sits about 25 miles from Augusta; one point of public access is in Hamilton Branch State Park. The Thurmond Dam creates this man-made lake, which comprises about 71,000 acres of water, surrounded by 1,200 miles of shoreline. At Clark Hill Park Recreation Area visitors can enjoy swimming at the beach and assorted amenities, such as a boat dock, a boat ramp and flushing toilets. Breaching the borders of Georgia and South Carolina, J. Strom Thurmond Lake touches the Broad, Savannah and Little Rivers.

Lake Murray

Lake Murray is a man-made reservoir in South Carolina created by a dam built in the late 1920s by South Carolina Electric and Gas. This lake spans 48,579 acres, is bordered by 620 miles of shoreline and sits about 75 miles from Augusta. On the shores of Lake Murray you’ll find Dreher Island State Park where dogs on a leash are permitted in the park, but not the lodging areas. Visitors can enjoy aquatic activities such as boating, swimming and water sports. However, Lake Murray is best known for fishing and is home to a variety of gamefish, including striped bass and crappie.

Magnolia Springs State Park

Alligators, turtles and fish make their home in Magnolia Springs State Park’s crystal clear springs, which flow at a rate of up to 7 million gallons each day. This 1,037-acre park is about 46 miles from Augusta and also contains a small lake for fishing. During the Civil War, Camp Lawton stood on the banks of these springs. It saw more than 10,000 prisoners walk through its doors and was known as “the world’s largest prison” at that time. Recreational activities on land include a 3-mile bike loop and camping.

Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee

Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee are part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The Georgia Power Company created Lake Sinclair in 1953 to help operate a hydroelectric generating station. Lake Sinclair Recreation Area, about 100 miles from Augusta, is one place you can go to enjoy this lake; amenities include a boat ramp and a swimming area. To gain access to Lake Oconee, which is about 75 miles away, go to the secluded Redlands Recreation area. Primarily used as a fishing spot, Redlands provides three paved boat ramps.

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About the Author

Victoria Weinblatt began writing articles in 2007, contributing to The Huffington Post and other websites. She is a certified yoga instructor, group fitness instructor and massage therapist. Weinblatt received her B.S. in natural resources from Michigan State University and an M.Ed. from Shenandoah University.

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